Children may face the tough questions

Accused rapist allowed to cross-examine victim under Ohio law

3:24 AM,
Apr. 11, 2013

Written by

Kaitlin Durbin
CentralOhio.com

A rape defendant, representing himself at trial, cross-examined his alleged 6-year-old victim Monday in Richland County Common Pleas court. Community members reacted with outrage, commenting on the story at the News Journal website.

But officials say the practice is legal.

"It's not ideal to have a child put on the witness stand, but that's the reality," said Michelle May, coordinator of case management for the Wayne County Children's Advocacy Center, which also serves children in Richland and Ashland counties. "The court says we have to put children on the stand to testify in any sexual ...